This is the name of potassium nitrate - a substance of inorganic origin, registered as a food preservative additive. This potash fertilizer is used for any plants in the garden on different soil compositions. Most often, potassium nitrate is added as an additional feed composition to plants that are unable to tolerate chlorine.
What is potassium nitrate
It is a binary compound commonly known as:
- potassium nitrate;
- potassium nitrate;
- potassium nitrate.
The compound is represented by a crystalline powder that does not have a tint and odor. It is non-volatile and has hygroscopic properties. The substance is highly soluble in water, harmless to animals. In its natural form, the substance can be found in the form of the mineral nitrocalite, which is mined in large quantities in Chile and the East Indies. In small quantities, the substance can be found in plants and animals.
Fertilizer
The chemical characteristics of the composition determine the area of its application. Potassium nitrate includes:
- nitrogen (13 percent);
- potassium (forty four percent).
Such a ratio makes it possible to successfully use the drug even at a time when the plant has already bloomed and formed an ovary.
Properties and benefits
Using potassium nitrate helps plants:
- accelerate growth;
- increase the suction power of the root system;
- improve the respiratory capacity of cells;
- activate the plant's immune system, which will protect it from a large number of diseases, causing an increase in the level of yield;
- increase the size of the fruits, their taste will improve;
- the period of preservation of the crop will increase;
- berries and perennial fruit plants will increase their resistance to the winter season and low temperature conditions.
But at the same time, there are also negative aspects. Potassium nitrate, found in food, can independently turn into nitrite, which is dangerous for the body. The substance lowers the oxygen level in the blood, increasing the likelihood of anemia and irregular pulse. There is a possibility of kidney disease, vomiting, severe pain in the abdomen.
Application in the garden
Most often, potassium nitrate is used in the rural industry. The fact is that it is considered an excellent fertilizer for plants. It is used for certain varieties that do not react well with other fertilizers. This group includes berry and citrus plants, grapes, beets, tobacco. Used as a strengthening agent for plants grown in a greenhouse or room. It will strengthen the root system, stabilize photosynthesis, and improve tissue structure.
The drug is used in the form of root and foliar additives. This fertilizer contains almost no chlorine, so it can be easily applied to potatoes, grapes, tobacco and other plants. Carrots and beets, currants, flowers respond well to the drug.
Experienced gardeners do not recommend using saltpeter on radishes, cabbage and herbs.
During the fruiting of cucumbers, they can be supported with potassium nitrate. This will increase the productivity of the plant, the greens will not increase in growth. Almost all feeding will be spent on the formation and ripening of cucumbers.
Compatibility with other fertilizers
It is not allowed to mix with organic fertilizers - peat, manure, sawdust and straw. For potatoes and cabbage, this composition works great together with other fertilizers. It is recommended to mix saltpeter with cabbage with calcium, and in the case of potatoes, phosphorus is added to it. Carrots and beets respond well to pure saltpeter, but calcium is allowed.
Potassium nitrate should be applied to light soils in spring, because potassium is poorly retained in such soil and is quickly washed out. Fertilizers are highly acidic, so it is recommended to use them in combination with calcium or lime. In chernozem areas characterized by alkaline reactions, potassium does not have a negative effect on crops.
Storage and precautions
Potassium nitrate is considered toxic to humans. When working, you must comply with safety requirements.
The main condition is to avoid inhalation of the drug, use a respirator. The use of the drug is associated with the risk of getting it on the skin or eyes. Processing must be carried out in protective equipment - glasses and gloves. High concentrations of fertilizer can cause chemical burns or irritation.
If potassium nitrate comes into contact with the skin surface, rinse the affected area with water. The same should be done if the eyes are affected - they are washed for ten to thirty minutes, while keeping the eyelids open. Then you need to visit an ophthalmologist.
In the case of burns, an antiseptic dressing is applied. A visit to the doctor is considered a must.
Also, care must be taken during storage. It is very important that the product is kept apart from the rest of the fertilizers and household chemicals., in a tightly closed container. The drug should not be exposed to sunlight.
Potassium nitrate is considered an oxidizing agent that reacts well with combustible compounds. For this reason, it is often used in pyrotechnics.
During the heating period, the drug begins to decompose, releasing oxygen. The likelihood of fires increases.
Some gardeners believe that the yield depends on the amount of fertilizer used. But this is far from the case. When working with potassium nitrate, accurate dosage calculations should be carried out, taking into account the type of plant, the period of its growth. Only in this case it is possible to have a beneficial effect on its growth and fruiting, without "stuffing" the crop with elements harmful to the body.